Be Free At Last

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

*At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you have done or what people think and say. It only matters what God thinks and promises if we choose Him. Choosing God includes respecting and adhering to His teachings in the Bible, and not leaning on our own understanding. It is so easy to just read the word, hear it from others, or go to church. Yet, never live it or so much as apply it to your everyday life. What people fail to realize is how life is more smoother and filled with more promises if we zone in on what God is telling us and trying to show us vs what other people are doing or trying to make sense of in society. There is a world of opportunities and possibilities when we adhere to the word and it truly sets us free, while the organization of the world has designed an unorthodoxed system of compromisation and complication that is designed for failure. Even if you are a believer, you still need to be mindful of falling into the same habits, same worldly way of thinking, the trap of isolation, or the lack of dedication to grow and go deeper in the word daily. Traps are always set to get you caught up in a loop of confusion, a cycle of habitual sin, or a limited mindset that can't receive things that defy the norm. Allow God's teachings in His word to change your life today. He is always free to listen and help us...Can we take the time to set ourselves free by listening to Him?

Life Under Fire 2 Polish Us for Our Reward (BT. vol.7)

1 Peter 4:12 ESV
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

*Everyday there are options that come our way...Options we know we aren't suppose to choose, and the option to choose what we should. These options sometimes arrive in what seems to be a small, tempting package that in reality can lead to condemnation and deter you from seeing and grasping the very opportunity that is meant for us. For example, many believe a sip here and a puff there won't hurt; one picture showing a little skin is all in fun; one touch will quiet my senses and won't go any further; one day of missing service never hurt a thing, and it's not like the primary speaker is there anyway; one more purchase can be covered by paying a bill later; I can wait to do that later or be a little late; reaching out never hurt anyone; or watching one clip is just satisfying my curiosity...The list goes on. However, those little blips here and glitches there actually trigger a snowball effect that begins the process of distraction or the option of prolonging your circumstance, and keeping you from your blessing. While these little foxes try to nip at our vines (Song of Solomon 2:15), our very blessing could be passing us by bc we became distracted by something that seemed little that actually took our focus off of watching and believing for something great. Then we become surprised and wonder how did this happen, or how could this be?...Are we really surprised? Our faith is under trial daily, our desires are being attacked bc there is the ability for them to come true, and the devil is looking for an opportunity to try us as he did Jesus (Luke 4:13). However, this is why it is important to spiritually feed yourself daily in order for our eyes to be open for instructions (Psalm 119:18), lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), and never settle bc God came to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10). Therefore never be surprised by an attack bc the trial of our faith is always being tested for reward purposes or to take you out of the game (Jeremiah 17:10). Do your best to not be knocked off of your square, but if it should occur, then pick yourself up from the temptation of habitual consumption and try again.

Spirit Led or Fleshly Unfulfillment

Anyone can get sex anytime or any place they desire, but what is sexy is someone who waits on the appropriate timing of the Lord....#RealTalk #HoldOn #GoodThingsCome2ThoseWhoWait

Putting Things In Perspective

Patience helps establish a perspective, a perspective puts things in its proper place, and the right place now opens up a broader view to see more windows of opportunity ...#AllInTheMind,FeltInTheHeart,&ControlledByFaith

Where Does Your Trust Lie? (BT. vol 6)

Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

*If you really know God, are aware of His capabilities, and have experienced the wonders of His glory then you should know that He is trustworthy. In order to fully understand His capabilities, you must continue to build a relationship with Him and draw closer to Him daily (James 4:8). He needs to be the focus of each desire, the head of every perspective, and the core of every act of faith (Matt. 6:33). As you build upon your relationship with Him, you will find that guidance towards what is best for you and your situation is clearer, and that you experience more peace and protection no matter what you may face. Even when your intentions are well, leaning to your own understanding will NEVER provide you with the fulfillment of His direction.

God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), but we must acknowledge His presence and incorporate Him in every big or small part of our lives to receive all He has in store for us. How much are you willing to trust Him, or take matters into your own hands? It's time to trust Him to give you the solution, and not be satisfied with a temporary fix.

Focus on God's Perspective (BT vol. 5)

John 15:7 (NIV)

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you...

*God wants to give us the desires of our heart (also see Psalm 37:4). However, notice that He must always come first in the process, and we must remain in His will as indicated by His word. He wants us to focus on Him first, and the rest will be added when we ask Him (Matt. 6:33). Ever wonder why something isn't coming to pass? It could be the level of perspective that we place on our desire vs where this fits in with God, and where God fits in with this idea. As a dear friend brought to my attention, I need to review my career desire and put it in perspective...For example, if God is constantly viewed as the supplier, the governor of the career choice, and if the path for this is in line and placed in the right perspective (always beneath God and in line with His will), then me asking for that once those things line up has no choice but to come to pass. Now, think about what you are believing God for or asking Him about. What order does that REALLY come in your life? What does the word say about it? Better yet, what has He said you need to do, prepare, focus on, or go through to get there? Most importantly, what is your motive for asking and how does it benefit God's will? It is quite interesting when you think about it. It's easy for selfishness to creep in, for reasons to be shallow, or lack of preparation or missing the mark to occur. We all have been there, but once you put things into perspective think about how easy the process will be to accept once God is ALWAYS the main focus.

Bodily Functions (BT. vol. 4)

1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

Suffering for Doing Good

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

*It is popular in today's society to be known as being independent: Someone who is not reliant upon another individual for any means necessary for life. However, that is one of the sneakest, yet greatest tricks of ths devil. God made us interdependent upon one another. That is why blessings are connected to walking in love, how you treat people, and your capability to think beyond yourself in order to be used as God's vessel to help someone else.

Ever wonder why you have longings for connections be it companionship, friendship, or even the desire to bond with people on the job or at church? That would be that interdependent characteristic that God placed within your heart to reach out to people. The more open you are to being connected to God's people, as He guides you, the more it not only helps others but assists your growth and needs as well (2 Cor. 1:6). We are all one body (1 Cor. 12:12), that is suppose to be joined together with love to function properly and grow together (Ephesians 4:16). Therefore, no man is an island no matter how badly you would like to be, especially if you encounter a hateful individual. They are considered an out of order part of the body that needs our love in order to take their place as a functioning organ, which is why loving on and ministering to people is a must. God wants to see us all function properly, live out our purpose fully, and receive all He has for us on Earth and receive rewards in Heaven. However, you will not fully be able to excel in these areas into you realize how much your success depends on how you respond to and connect yourself with others. This not only includes how you treat strangers, but how you respond to the lovely indivuduals in the body of Christ.It's never all about you, but how we can all work together to thrive for God. We are different for a reason, and it is those differences that help make up the different elements of the body in order for it to function properly.